Any person, male or female has the right to choose his or her marriage partner. Nobody must be forced into marriage as it is a lifetime commitment. Parents should also be considerate in this matter. If a baaligh (mature) person marries without the consent of his or her parent then the nikaah will be valid if Kafaa'at is met. Kafa'at means compatibility, which involves certain things such as racial backgrounds e.t.c. The purpose of Kafa'ah is so that the marriage partners are compatible to one another as they are from the same background and culture. It is easier for them to bond and form a relationship in order for it to be stable.

If marriage is performed outside of the Kafa'at without the parents consent then it will be valid. Parents have the right to invalidate it after being informed of the marriage.

Answer Approved by Shaikhul Hadeeth Mufti Farooq